How to Make a Flowering Bulb Bed

Break the soil up to a depth of 12 to 18 inches in the site selected for the flower bed. Get rid of rocks and debris, but work in any organic matter, such as grass and leaves.

Follow the instructions on the label, or add 1 pound of 5-10-10 fertilizer for a 5-foot by 10-foot flower bed. Add 1 to 2 inches of organic matter, such as compost, well-rotted manure and peat moss. Work these into the soil at least 12 inches. Rake the flower bed level.

Dig holes to bury the bulbs as recommended on the packaging. Many gardeners simply dig to a depth double or triple the bulb’s diameter. Place the bulbs in the holes with the pointy side up.

Space the bulbs as instructed, or approximately 3 to 10 inches apart for large bulbs and 1 to 2 inches apart for smaller bulbs.

Place any types supports or stakes needed for taller flowering bulb varieties, such as gladioli and dahlias, at planting time to prevent damaging the bulbs.

Water the flower bed thoroughly to dampen the soil to the depth of the bulbs. Begin a regular weekly watering schedule while the bulbs are growing. Supply 1 inch of water any time rainfall is less than this.

Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the entire flower bed. The mulch keeps the soil moist, deters weeds and helps maintain an even soil temperature.

Fertilize the flowering bulbs again after they bloom. Remove spent flowers as needed to stop seed development that takes essential food from the bulbs.

Allow the foliage of the flowering bulbs to die naturally before trimming back the plants. The bulbs are building up vital nutrients during this time.